Dalton Rushing’s rise to the top Los Angeles Dodgers prospect earned him an opportunity this season that many believed he was prepared for last year.
And though Rushing unseated Austin Barnes in the backup catcher role, the start of his Major League career hasn’t necessarily gone according to plan. The Dodgers’ aggressive decision to replace Barnes on the roster with Rushing was made in part due to the National League West race.
But while Rushing offered more upside than Barnes, he’s been relegated to inconsistent starts. He’s admitted to that being a difficult adjustment, and it’s been readily apparent through his offensive struggles.
On Saturday, Rushing snapped an 0-for-16 drought with a two-run single with the bases loaded. It helped spark the Dodgers to a six-run inning in their 9-1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays.
“The result came. That’s great, it feels amazing,” Rushing said after the game. “It’s been a little bit of a scuffle the last few weeks. Don’t get me wrong, it’s frustrating, but Doc really just reminded me of what my role is right now.
“He understands what he’s getting through a full season of everyday at-bats, the hitter that I am. He’s watched me for a few years now as I came up, and he knows what to expect. But for now, my job is to go out and do what I did with Blake today. Navigate him through six (innings) and then navigate a bullpen through three.”
Defensively, Rushing helped Blake Snell navigate through six scoreless innings. With that came a season-high 10 strikeouts.
“He had everything working,” Rushing said. “He executed the offspeed, executed his fastballs early in the count, caught hitters in between. That’s kind of what he does, and he was very successful.”
Dodgers’ message to Dalton Rushing
Even with the potential for offensive production from Rushing, manager Dave Roberts has maintained the Dodgers are more concerned with his ability to handle the pitching staff and perform well defensively.
“I think that Dalton’s doing a fine job back behind the plate. There’s been the delayed steal kind of mishap, but I think the fingers have been good,” Roberts said before Saturday’s game.
“I think the receiving has been good. I think as far as the bat, I do think he’s pressing. I had a good conversation with him yesterday in the sense of just getting back to yourself. I do think that he got a little too technical, mechanical. I expect better at-bats tonight.
“Can’t control or guarantee results, but I think that we’re going to see some better at-bats and quality of contact tonight from Dalton.”
Roberts did also acknowledge that the 24-year-old likely had been pressing through trying to deliver in limited at-bats.
“I think that’s a good thing in the sense that hitters want to have success,” Roberts said. “He’s used to hitting, right? And he’s also used to playing more often. But just for me, reinforcing his value as a backup catcher, being a partner with the pitchers, and building relationships, which I think he’s doing a good job of.
“And right now he’s hitting ninth, and that’s the point of your value is behind the plate. But as a competitor, he expects more from himself, which I appreciate that. But again, it just goes back to him being who he is as a hitter. And just watching his batting practices over the last couple of days, he just looks more like the hitter that we know he can be.”
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